Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that can be exchanged directly from peer to peer. Unlike modern fiat money, Bitcoin, which has often been called 'cash for the Internet,' is not printed like dollars or other fiat currency and it is not controlled, backed or distributed by any bank or central government authority. An estimated 11 million bitcoins are in circulation today, though only 21 million bitcoins can ever be created.

Braintree will soon integrate Bitcoin, a move that could have Airbnb, Dropbox and Uber customers paying in the cryptocash. Meanwhile, PayPal dropped the B-word in a curious promo video, igniting another social media speculation frenzy.